Land-use hydrology: Shoalhaven, New South Wales

Abstract

A computer model, with explicit descriptions for the major processes of the hydrologic cycle formed a basis for simulating the consequences of land-use change on streamflow in the upper Shoalhaven Valley of New South Wales. Computed streamflow for existing land use corresponded with recorded data on both the monthly and annual scales. Simulation for pasture improvement suggested that a significant reduction in annual streamflow from as high as 28% would occur in a year with average rainfall, but that this reduction would be insignificant in years of high rainfall. Afforestation of pastures with pines produced a 32% reduction in streamflow for average rainfall conditions and maintained a similar proportionate reduction in wet years.